I rarely get
time to venture into Lincoln, but last week I rushed in to meet a
friend. My highly tuned fashion sense ( ha! ) instantly noted that
there is a lot of knitting about. In fact there is a lot of knitting
everywhere. And there are Ponchos! I can't remember when we last had
ponchos, maybe 1975....... I was astonished. On arriving home I dived
into my extensive knitting pattern boxes and found this, saved by my mum
from Woman's Weekly magazine. There they stand, gazing dreamily, a
gentle smile on their faces, wrapped in their ponchos and now the height
of fashion again. I expect you would all like a copy of this pattern.
So that you too can knit or crochet your own poncho. And stand, looking
poised and sophisticated, as they do... or you can just gaze in awe. Did
we really wear such things? Please send photos........
Saturday 15 October 2011
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Small pleasures
There are
things which we do every day which are mundane, repetitive, even boring.
For me, many of these jobs are to do with housework. I once read about a
writer whose hobbies were dusting, hoovering and ironing, but, she
wrote sadly, that there was little time for her hobbies in her busy
life. But there are ways that we can make these things more enjoyable.
So now I have spotty pegs. And they came in a delightful box with a
picture of a glamorous lady in a frilly apron. She looked so happy. And
strangely, I feel happy when the washing is pegged out. With the spotty
pegs. Such a simple pleasure to see them sitting all jolly on the line,
but the mundane business of washing pegging is all the better for them!
Wednesday 28 September 2011
Northumberland folk
I have neglected the
blog I know. I have been having long conversations with my new
grandaughter on Skype and admiring her dimples and gorgeous chubby
thighs. But we have also been to the north for a visit. Husband had an
important meeting and I sauntered around Alnwick. I took my picnic to
the countryside, it was a beautiful day. The local folk were very
friendly. Everyone came to say hello and look enquiringly at my
sandwiches. But when it came to the Polos I knew there wouldn't be
enough to go round. So I felt mean, I didn't share, I hoped they
wouldn't notice. But I did rub their ears and chat for quite a
while...........
Thursday 25 August 2011
Dentists and delights
Yesterday I
went to the dentist. I go because I am more scared of what will happen
if I don't go. Life's a careful balance! To get there I walked along the
Marina side, admiring the boats in the sunshine. Then I heard a loud
whooshing and thwacking noise and to my delight seven swans decided to
try the pond weed at the far end of the water. In careful formation so
not to bump into each other, they ran along the surface of the water.
Large webbed feet, toes spread wide, they slapped down on the water.
Wings outstretched and beating hard and fast, the huge, heavy birds took
off with enormous grace. It took the length of the marina to get
airborne. Would they clear the bridge? With careful calculation, they
glided underneath and out the other side. It reminded me of a sculpture I
saw in Newcastle on Tyne recently. And going to the dentist wasn't so
bad after all.
Friday 5 August 2011
A very special holiday
Throughout July I
have been in Singapore. It was a very special trip to meet my first
grandaughter. I may be biased but she's gorgeous, so new, skin so soft
and hair all fluffy. I took along things I had made for her, a pink
velvet rabbit, tiny cardigans, a coloured blanket I knitted in the
winter. Also a baby dress which her mum once wore. I was so glad that
my daughter was safely delivered and her new girl was well. Did my mum
have the same worries for me? I remember her making little baby
nighties, arriving with apple crumbles, holding my daughters with such
care. It's a precious gift to be a granny.
Thursday 7 July 2011
Garden problems
In my English
garden I have a fiberglass wild boar near the pond. And blackbirds who
have eaten all the raspberries. The bees which frequent the borage have
nasty tempers and the squirrels bury walnuts. But my troubles are small.
Denise in Ohio on the other hand, has racoons. The racoons have babies.
And the babies are badly behaved. They use her pot plants as a litter
tray. Now they have discovered the bird feeder. Here is the photo she
sent me. I will stop complaining about my squirrels.......... and the
racoons do look so cuddly!
Wednesday 22 June 2011
Young families
In our garden
there are several young families being raised at present. The parents
look tired and rumpled, rushing about in a distracted manner. Regular
mealtimes are so important and snacks are required constantly. The
babies, often more than one per family, are demanding. As big as their
parents, they shout and yell for more food. They are not fussy, any worm
will do, beetles, wire worms, bugs of all sorts are stuffed into their
beaks by fond mums and dads. Today I was digging in the garden and a
blackbird dad was constantly under my feet. As soon as the spade turned
the earth, he was there. Catching food I couldn't see. Sometimes his
beak was so full, everything was dropped like a carrier bag failure in a
supermarket. Big worms fought back. But off he flew and then back again
for more. Under a bush sat his sulky offspring. Beak wide open. But
then baby hopped off. Dad arrived, lots of worms at the ready, so
worried . Where was that baby? It should have stood still, stayed where
it was left, done as it was told........and now the wrens have the same
problem........and the robins.......
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